Merlin Holst

Merlin Frederick Holst, 76, of Red Wing, died Sunday at St. Brigid?s at Hi-Park. He was born on May 24, 1929 in Red Wing to Harry and Rosiela (Meyer) Holst. He attended schools in Hay Creek and then served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 9, 1954 he married Joan Mehrkens. They farmed many years in Hay Creek Township. He was a member of St. John?s Lutheran Church and enjoyed farming, fishing and reading. Survivors include his wife, Joan; four children, Sandi (Len) Berg of Welch, Keith (Diane) Holst of Red Wing, Colleen (Dana) Phillips of Hager City and Jean Martin (Jason Hemingsen) of Red Wing; six grandchildren, four step grandchildren; two great grandchildren and one step great granddaughter along with nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother and one son-in-law, Paul Martin. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John?s Lutheran Church with Rev. Todd Engel officiating. Burial will be in the St. John?s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jennie Bungum, Brianna and Alexa Berg, Chris and Kory Holst and Lucas Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Missy, Nick, Sam and Yena Phillips. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to the donor?s choice.